GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES NEW DRUG TREATMENT COURTS

OTTAWA , June 2, 2005 – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, and Minister of Health, Ujjal Dosanjh, today announced funding for the establishment of four new Drug Treatment Courts in Edmonton , Regina , Winnipeg and Ottawa . As part of Canada ’s Drug Strategy, the Government of Canada will also continue funding for existing courts in Toronto and Vancouver , both of which have shown promise in reducing addiction and repeat offences in those areas.

“These new Drug Treatment Courts reflect a widely shared recognition – among governments, social service providers, community organizations and other partners – that crime can be reduced by tackling its root causes,” said Minister Cotler. “When non-violent criminal conduct is motivated by an addiction to drugs, treatment rather than incarceration can help addicts break their cycle of dependency and become more productive members of their community.”

Drug Treatment Courts are an intensive, court-monitored alternative to incarceration. Participants follow a structured program of treatment and community service support to reduce their dependence on illegal drugs. By helping non-violent offenders overcome their addictions and improve their social stability, the program reduces the criminal behaviour associated with substance abuse.

“This expansion of Drug Treatment Courts underscores our commitment to help drug offenders overcome their addictions,” said Minister Dosanjh. “The benefits of these new courts extend not only to participants but to Canadians as well, by helping to reduce staggering health, social and economic costs associated with substance abuse.”

As part of the renewal of Canada ’s Drug Strategy, the federal government made a commitment to expand the use of Drug Treatment Courts in Canada . A Call for Funding Proposals was issued in December 2004. Each proposal underwent a comprehensive assessment based on objective criteria, including the demonstrated need in that community for a new court. This new announcement will result in $13.3 million going to Drug Treatment Courts over the next four years.

Funding agreements are being finalized for each of the successful proposals from Edmonton , Regina , Winnipeg and Ottawa , with each new court expected to begin operations in the coming months.

All funding recipients will be required to report annually on the results of their activities, and to support the collection of information and data on the effectiveness of Drug Treatment Courts. This work will assist the Government in promoting best practices and in continuing to refine approaches in this area.

All Drug Treatment Courts involve a broad range of partners and stakeholders from multiple levels of government and who represent the justice system, the police, drug treatment programs and community groups. Partners work together to help offenders overcome their addictions and find safe housing and stable employment.

To learn more about Drug Treatment Courts, visit:
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/prog/dtc/

Backgrounder: Expanding Drug Treatment Courts in Canada
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/news/nr/2005/doc_31552.html

To learn more about Canada ’s Drug Strategy, visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2003/2003_34bk1.htm

Denise Rudnicki
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 957-4207

Ken Polk
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 946-4250